U20 hurlers looking forward to Leinster decider against Tribe

Tue, 22nd June 2021

Dublin's under-20 hurlers are "very excited" about Wednesday night's Bord Gáis Energy Leinster U20HC final (2020) against Galway in O'Connor Park, Tullamore (7.30, Live TG4) according to their manager Paul O'Brien.

The Dubs are looking to win their seventh provincial title at this grade and their first since 2016 against a highly rated Galway side.

The competition has been a unique one owing to Covid restrictions and eventually got underway last October, commencing for the Dubs with a Leinster first round victory over Antrim. VIctories over Offaly and Wexford followed before the competition was shut down in advance of the scheduled provincial final.

However, the Dublin manager is happy with how his players have conducted themselves in the face of all the uncertainty and protracted nature of the tournament.

“We felt that the character of the group would ensure that the lads would come back with no fitness issues and in fairness to them, they came back in great shape, both mentally and physically," said Paul.“That wasn’t too surprising as their application has been exceptional since we started this campaign.

“It’s an under-21 team now essentially and they are very self-motivated and want to win and to be honest, they are as good a bunch of lads that I have ever worked with."

Paul O'Brien knows that his team will have to produce their best on Wednesday night against the Tribesmen.

“I watched Galway against Laois and Kilkenny and undoubtedly, they are a very good team," added Paul.

“However, we need to concern ourselves with our own game and imposing ourselves on them.

“We have a strong panel of players and what has been really encouraging is that some of the lads that were fringe players before Christmas are really putting their hand up for selection given their form in training and recent friendlies.

“We are really looking forward to the match on Wednesday as these are the type of matches that the players love to be involved in and we are very excited about the prospect of testing ourselves against a strong Galway team," concluded the Dublin manager.